The head table could be even longer if you are allowing your wedding party have a guest or you can sit their guests at a table of their own.

If you are having a head table a parents table will be needed

Seating at this table is couple's parents and grandparents and usually officiant and spouse if necessary.

If you have step parents the officiant and guest can sit at the next table.

Closest family and friends sit up closer to front

Have a table for the inevitable guests that didn’t RSVP and a table for your vendors that are staying throughout the ceremony and reception, yes you need to feed these vendors, and they normally include, DJ, Photographer, videographer, planners.

Vendor Tipping Guide

Tipping your vendors for a job well done is just plain ole good manners. Even if they don't accept tips a small gift of appreciation will go far even if it's just a coffee gift card. Don't forget to check contracts on vendors as gratuities may be included in their service.

Officiant and/or Clergy

Reception Wait Staff

Ceremony Site Staff

Bartenders

DJ/Band

Parking Attendants

Reception Site staff

Transportation

Hair and Makeup Artists

Planners/Day of Coordinators

Photographers

Videographers

Floral Designers/Event Designers

Baker/Dessert Chef

Listener Question Time!!!

Hi Shannon and Kim –

I'm a huge fan of the podcast, and have been listening since I was engaged over a year ago! Our wedding is this July, and I'm still finalizing bridesmaids' dresses.My own dress is fairly simple (‘classic elegance') is the look I'm going for — it's a strapless Mikado gown with no adornments or anything, but it's trumpet-shaped, with dramatic ruffles on the bottom. I'm planning to wear a striking necklace or shoulder jewelry to jazz it up.I was set on bright, sequined bridesmaids gowns, which look great on my ladies, but I'm now wondering if I should do something more demure? Some of the consultants at the shops we went to suggested that such striking bridesmaids dresses might “overpower” the “simple elegance” of my dress. Now I'm rethinking what I should do.I want my ladies to look great, and hate the idea that a bride might be being “overpowered” — or even to have these thoughts/insecurities put in my head now! But maybe from a design perspective, these bold dresses may not be the right approach? Please help!!